What Is This? Windows Basics
| Site: | Technology-Enabled Learning Lounge |
| Course: | Basic IT Skills |
| Book: | What Is This? Windows Basics |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Thursday, 21 November 2024, 5:07 PM |
Description
Computer interface
1. Start the Machine and Logon
To begin working on a computer, turn on the power button.
If the computer is running but the screen is blank, it may be in power-saving sleep mode. Try pressing any key on the keyboard to wake it up. If your monitor (screen) is separate from your computer, make sure the power button on the monitor is also turned on.
After you press the power button on your computer, you will see an opening screen. Press any key and the log in screen will appear. You may need to type in a user name and password before you will have access to the operating system or OS. Most computers will automatically load the operating system that is installed on that computer.
In this course, we will be looking at the Windows OS®. Other popular operating systems are the Apple/Mac OS X®, Linux, Ubuntu, and Google Chrome®. They are all slightly different but easy to figure out once you have familiarity with one of them.
2. Computer Hardware Basics
A personal computer can be made of several large pieces of equipment that sit on or near your desk or it can be a self-contained unit such as a laptop. The basic elements remain the same. Even a mobile device such as a smart phone or a tablet will consist of a computer, a viewing screen and a keyboard. The keyboard may be similar to a typewriter or it may be a touchscreen version of a standard keyboard.
Inside the computer case there is a power supply, a motherboard that contains the central processing unit (CPU), the random-access memory (RAM) and a built-in data storage area as well as other circuitry to keep the computer functioning.
To run a computer it must be connected to a source of electricity or run off a built-in battery (which is recharged via electrical connection).
3. Peripherals
There are many ways to connect other devices to the computer. The most common of these devices or peripherals include: a mouse, a printer and a headset or headphones. Most computers will automatically detect these devices when they are plugged in. Sometimes a small executable program will need to be installed the first time they are used. If a device does not work automatically, you may need to read the connection instructions that came with the device or search for help on the Web.
Many of these additional devices (if they are fairly new) can also be connected wirelessly to your computer. For example, you may be able to connect to a printer that is in another room by using a wireless connection. Although new computers usually have built-in speakers and a built-in web camera, these devices may also be externally connected to your computer.
3.1. Other Peripherals
This image shows two USB entry ports on the side of a laptop (one of them has a wireless mouse connector inserted). The USB port connects most modern peripherals to your computer.
There are usually several ports on a computer and they can be on the front, the sides or the back of the computer case. When you insert a device into the port, your computer will automatically recognize it and ask you what you want to do next.
It is generally preferable to transfer or share files via the Internet (discussed in Unit 3) but there may be times when it will be more convenient and secure to save data on to a portable USB flash drive (also called a memory stick, keydrive or thumbdrive).
When the USB flash drive is inserted into your computer, follow the instructions on your computer screen and select open files on this device. 
You can usually drag files back and forth between your computer folders and the usb folders. Sometimes the USB flash drive is password protected. To prevent possible data loss, close the files on the USB flash drive before removing it from the computer.
Older computers may have an opening for inserting and playing a cd or dvd but most new computers no longer contain this option.
4. Start Menus
A Start Menu is a series of words or icons that make it simple for you to find the most used locations on your computer. It can be customized to suit your needs.
On most computers, your computer will open to a desktop view. On Windows 8.1®, it may open to the tile view that resembles the view on most smart phones. The tile view is a form of start menu as it contains direct links to many of the key locations. You will need to locate the desktop tile and click on it or touch it (if you have a touch screen). We will work from the desktop view.
4.3. Start Menus (cont)
In older versions of Windows®, the Start Menu is located by clicking on the Windows® icon in the lower left section of your screen. 
This will open a pop-up menu with links to your most-used locations.
4.4. Windows 7® Start Menu View
4.5. Charm Bar®
In Windows 8.1® and later, there are two pop-up screens available that contain helpful shortcuts to key locations.
The Charm Bar® is found by placing your mouse cursor in the top right corner of the screen. This causes a bar to slide in from the right. Here you will find links to Search, Share, Start, Devices and Settings locations on your computer.
All versions of Windows® make use of the bottom taskbar or ribbon bar to hold icons for quick commands to frequently used locations. In Windows 8® and later you can "pin" any of the items on your tile start menu to this toolbar so that they also appear as shortcuts when you are working in desktop view. If you hold your mouse over any icon on the toolbar, you will see a text description of the icon. You click on an item to open that program.
4.6. Charm Bar® View
4.7. Other ways to navigate
You can also find additional links to many of the technical function areas of the computer by right-clicking on the Windows® icon in the lower left of your screen.
This provides another quick way to get to your Control Panel, your File Explorer, Search and Run.
Tip: In all versions of Windows®, try a right-click of your mouse on any item - it will usually open a menu of additional functions and information.
4.8. Navigation View
5. Operating Systems
Most computers are purchased with an operating system (OS) already installed to make it easy for you to get started using your computer. The operating system is a set of software (a program) that enables the computer to function by controlling the hardware device, allowing network capability and allowing other software applications to work with the hardware.
There are many operating systems available but the most common systems are Microsoft Windows®, OS X (Apple)®, Android® and Linux. The operating systems are frequently updated with new versions made available every few years. You don't always have to upgrade to a new version but over time, the old systems become difficult to use and are no longer supported by the company that creates the operating system.
It is important to know which version of the operating system is installed on your computer in case you need to troubleshoot problems running certain software applications. The logo of the operating system is the quick way to determine the OS.
(This is the Windows® logo 
)
To confirm the version number of the operating system (in other words, how old it is), you usually have to go into the settings folder of your device. Most companies who make operating systems provide detailed instructions online and/or an auto-detect feature to locate the version.
5.1. Operating Systems cont.
Operating systems allow you to customize almost everything you see on your screen. You may choose to hide or move taskbars and icons, change backgrounds and colours or make many other viewing adjustments. This course will try to use examples that are close to the standard or default modes. You may need to look around a bit on your computer if you or someone else has made customizations to the layout.
For this course, you will be working with the Microsoft Windows® OS, with screenshot examples from Windows 8.1®. Other browsers will have a similar look but menus and icons may be located in different places.
Windows 8.1® is designed to work with the new touchscreens and it is possible to "swipe" various areas of the screen to bring up programs and navigation bars. In this course, we will provide instructions for mouse users as touchscreens are not yet in wide use.
6. Log Off or Shut Down
When you are finished a session on your computer, it is good practice to either lock, log-off or shut down your computer. The main reason for this has to do with security - if your computer is left unattended with you logged in, others could use the computer and impersonate you.
To shut down your computer, activate the Charm Bar® on the right side of your screen by placing your mouse cursor in the top right corner of the screen and then moving it downward. (If you have a touch screen, you can swipe the right side of the screen to activate the Charm Bar®). Click on the Setting icon and then choose the Power icon in the bottom section of the bar. You can then choose whether to close or restart your computer.
You can also find options to Shut Down or Log off your computer by right-clicking on the Windows® icon in the lower left corner of the taskbar.
On older versions of Windows®, the start menu that pops up when clicking the Windows® icon in the taskbar will have options to shut down, restart or log off.
Note: Never shut down your computer by pressing the power button before you have closed off your session using one of the techniques described above. Turning off the power suddenly can damage the operating system or hardware and could result in the loss of data.
6.1. Power Shut Down View
7. Desktop Applications
A desktop application is a software program that performs a specific task. These applications are loaded directly on to your computer. This means that all of the functionality of the application is stored in your computer. These applications may be pre-loaded into the computer before you purchase it, or you may purchase these applications and download them into your computer. The Microsoft Office® program is an example of software that is often pre-installed.
Desktop applications appear in the tiled Start Menu section. Find tiles for all the desktop applications by choosing the down arrow at the bottom of the screen. 
On any version of Windows® you may also use the built-in Search tool located in your Charm Bar® or pop-up Start Menu. Type the name of the program you are looking for and then click on the magnifying glass icon to start the search.
It is becoming more common to use software that "lives" on the Internet, freeing your computer storage space for your own files and folders. We will describe this type of application in the next units.
8. Search Box View
9. Activity: Desktop Applications
Try locating the Microsoft Word® icon and opening the program on your computer. Remember you can locate it on your Start Menu, on the Windows® taskbar, as a shortcut directly on your desktop, or by typing Word into the search box. Close Word® when you are finished.
10. Windows
A slightly confusing case occurs when using the word "windows". The word "Windows®" refers to the operating system created by Microsoft® but the word "windows" is used across computer sytems to refer to the type of screen view described here.
A window is a rectangular area of the screen that displays an application running on your system. You can think of a window as a screen within the screen or as pieces of paper on your desktop. You can have many windows open at once, allowing you to have more than one application visible and work on more than one task at a time.
Windows can overlap or be side-by-side. You can control a window's position on the screen, as well as its size. You can control which windows overlap other windows, so the one you want to work with is completely visible. To arrange the positions of windows, right click in a blank spot on the toolbar (ribbon) at the bottom of the screen to see the options.
Every time you click on an icon, it will open in a new window. Windows will usually open on top of each other. If you want to move the windows around, you first need to minimize or reduce their size. There is a Restore Down icon that looks like two overlapping windows in the top right corner of the window. Click this icon to make your topmost window smaller. Now hold down the left button on your mouse and you can drag the window into different positions.
To return the window to full size, go to the top right of the window and click on the icon that now looks like a single window. This expands the window so it fills the screen.
Next to the Restore Down icon, is a Minimize icon that looks like a small horizontal line. If you minimize your window by left-clicking on this icon, your window will "disappear" but not close. You can find it again quickly by selecting the correct icon in the bottom toolbar. If you let your mouse hover over the icons in the toolbar, a small view of your minimized window will appear and you can left-click on it to bring it back to full size.
10.1. Multiple Windows View
10.2. Resizing and Closing Windows
To resize a window, hold your mouse over one side or the top corner of the window until arrows appear. Drag one of the borders to expand or contract the window on that side. Drag a corner to change two sides at once. The resize arrows appear when your mouse is in the correct position to begin the drag action.
To close a window, click on the "X" at the top right of the window. This may close the application as well. In most programs, Windows will check to see if you have any active documents unsaved and ask you if want to save them before closing an application (so that you don't lose any of your work).
Note: if you just need to see the text on any screen a bit more clearly, try typing Control + on your keyboard to magnify the text of the window in which you are currently working. Control - will reduce the magnification. You can try this at any time.
10.3. Scrolling
If the application that is open is too large for the window, you will see scroll bars either on the right, bottom or both. Drag the scroll bar or click on the arrows at either end of the scrollbar to scroll through the window's contents. This is often necessary if you are reading a long article.
10.4. Scroll Bar View
11. Volume Control
Sometimes you will be watching a video or listening to a conversation or music and need to adjust the volume. Most video players will have volume controls directly on the screen that you can adjust using your mouse but you can also control the volume directly on your computer. You will sometimes need to adjust both volume controls to get the correct volume.
Look for an icon that looks like a loudspeaker on the right side of the taskbar at the bottom of your screen and click on it to adjust the volume. 
You should also be able to see this volume icon directly on your keyboard as part of the function keys (F keys) at the top of the keyboard. Unfortunately, their exact location varies with each model of computer! There are three sound keys here: one will mute your audio; one will increase your audio; and, one will decrease your audio.
If you have tried all these adjustments and still cannot hear anything, check that you do not have headphones plugged into your computer. If unplugging the headphones does not solve the problem, you may have to go into your computer audio settings to tell the computer to use the computer speakers rather than the headphone speakers. These settings are located in the Control Panel.
12. Files
It is helpful to think of your computer as a big filing cabinet full of papers. To be useful, you need to have the papers filed in a way that makes them easy to find again. Microsoft Windows® and most other operating systems use a series of directories and folders to keep things organized.
A file path may look like this:
C:\Users\MyName\Documents\COL\ITSkills
The "C" is your computer's hard drive. This tells you the file is located on your computer and not available to anyone else unless you send them the file. After the "C", there are a series of directories (also called libraries) and folders within folders until you reach the end of the file path and the file you are looking for.
If you were to follow this path, you would get to a sub-folder labelled "COL" and inside that folder you would find the document "ITSkills".
Directories are a type of high level folder. Fortunately, you don't have to type a long file path like this to locate your documents. The icons and shortcuts are already in place on your computer to allow you to go directly to a sub-directory (in this example, the sub-directory is "Documents").
The Documents folder and other high-level directory folders such as Downloads, Music and Pictures are usually already set up when you purchase the computer.
12.1. Directory View
12.2. Files Within Folders
To open an existing folder or file, left click on it twice.
You can imagine that if you just started adding files to your Documents folder or photos to your Pictures folder, it would quickly become hard to find anything. Therefore it is common practice to create sub-folders to help with your filing.
In the bottom taskbar of your screen, there is an icon that looks like a set of file folders. It is called the File Explorer. 
Click on it to see the file directories on your computer. You can also find the File Explorer on your tile view Start Menu. Locate the Documents folder and double-click on it to see the sub-folders and documents stored there.
In older versions of Windows, click on the Start menu and look for the Documents folder in the right column.
To create a new folder, right click in the open space on the screen and choose the "New" option, then choose "Folder". Name your folder. The folder is now ready to hold documents.
12.3. New Folder View
12.4. Activity: Folders
Open your Documents folder. Right-click in an empty space on the screen. Choose "New", then "Folder". Create a new folder and name it "Test". You will save a document into this folder in a later activity.
12.5. File Types
There are different types of files that you can save into folders. Some files are text documents, but images, videos and spreadsheets are also examples of files that you might create or receive and then wish to save in your folders.
For the computer to understand how to open the file, it reads a piece of code called a file extension. There are hundreds of file extensions but a few are in common use and listed here.
| File Extension | Description | Use |
| .doc or .docx | Word® document | Written materials. Can be edited. |
| Portable document format | Image of a written document that cannot be easily edited. If printed, will retain its formatting no matter what printer is used. | |
| .xls | Excel® spreadsheet | Data calculations and reports. |
| .ppt | PowerPoint® | In this version of the file extension, the presentation can be opened and edited. Other similar extensions are used for PowerPoints that open as a completed presentation or with some of the content hidden. |
| .mp3 | audio file | Music. There are many other audio and video file extensions but these versions are adaptable to many computers and media players. |
| .mp4 | video file | Video |
| .jpg | image file | Photos. Drawings and other images may use .png or .gif |
| .zip | archive file | Stores multiple files and compresses files. If you are sent a zip file, you must extract the files inside to view them. |
Note: There is a type of file with an extension: .exe This stands for executable file. It is a file that can make changes to an application or a program already running in your computer. You sometimes need to download an .exe file if you have purchased some software online or if that software or system needs to be updated on your computer. Unfortunately, this is also one of the ways that viruses and worms are introduced into your computer.
If you are sent an .exe file as an attachment, NEVER open it. If it appears to come from a friend, that friend's account may have been hacked or the friend may think they are sending you a funny joke or something cute and does not realize it may contain a virus. Only open an .exe file if you know it is from a reputable company from whom you have requested software or an upgrade. Check first with any friend who may have sent an .exe file to you in an email before you open the file.
12.6. Save A File
If you have created a new document or other file that you would like to save in one of the folders on your computer, with the document still open, go to the File tab in the top left corner and choose "Save As". A window will open showing your directory folders and you can choose where to save the file. You can also rename the file as you save it. You will practice this is Unit 3 when you begin working with Office® documents.
If someone has sent you a document or other file that you would like to save in one of the folders on your computer, you can save it one of two ways:
- Without opening the attachment, right-click on the attachment icon or file name and choose "Save As" or, if there is more than one attachment, choose "Save All Attachments". A window will open showing your directory folders and you can choose where to save the file. You can also rename the file as you save it.
- After you open an attachment directly from your email, you can save it by choosing "File" in the top left hand corner of the window and selecting "Save" or "Save As".
Sometimes your security settings will open attachments in "protected mode" to prevent you from saving a file in a format that can be edited and can therefore carry some risk of containing a virus. If this document is something that you need to edit, you will have to take an extra step to "enable editing" before you will be able to save the file. The "protected view" information will appear as a bar at the top of the opened attachment.
12.7. Email Attachment View
12.8. Saving Attachments
When you open an attachment, the computer will read the file extension and open the file in whatever program is the default program for that particular file extension.
In the following example, the attachment was a .jpg or image file and the computer default opened the program in Adobe Photo Elements®. As with most programs, the option to Save the file is in the top left corner of the window.
12.9. Attachment Save View
12.10. Saving To Your Desktop
Unless your desktop has been "locked" by a network adminstrator in your organization, you can usually save files directly to your Desktop area. This is handy if you are working on a document and want to quickly reference it again soon. In most cases, it is not a good idea to use the Desktop area to save documents because:
- the desktop only has a finite amount of space and can quickly become cluttered
- automatic computer back-ups do not usually save documents that are on the desktop, so you could lose these documents
- there is a small but significant impact on computer performance if it needs to load a lot of desktop items
13. Activity: Quick Review
In this unit, you have learned to:
- recognize and navigate a typical Windows® interface
- understand the use of peripheral hardware
- manage files and directories
- describe common file formats
To test your knowledge, complete the following activity:
- From the desktop view, open your Documents folder. Restore Down the window. Go to your Start Menu and open Microsoft Word®. Adjust the windows so that the Documents folder and Microsoft Word® open side by side.
- Close Microsoft Word®. Find the Test folder you created earlier (hint: it should be in your Documents folder). Drag your Test folder from your Documents folder onto your Desktop. Now drag the Test folder back into the Documents folder and close the window.
Can you answer these questions?
- What is the file extension for a Microsoft Word® document?
- Give an example of a common peripheral device that can be attached to a computer.